Year 3

Prep 3 represents the start of Key Stage 2 and the children feel that they are making a significant step towards a more independent learning style.

Curriculum

We follow the National Curriculum: Maths and English are taught every day by the Form Teacher with Geography, History and RE timetabled each week. Specialist teachers provide enrichment in Science, French, Music, Art, ICT, PE and Sports team coaching. The children are very keen to explore these new subject areas and relish the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Representing the school in a sports team is a new opportunity with some friendly matches introduced at Under 8 level. A particular highlight is our Forest School programme which involves every Year 3 pupil spending regular afternoons exploring the woods, building shelters, finding mini-beasts, lighting (and putting out) fires and playing together.

Assessment

Half-termly assessments are conducted in Maths and English writing, whilst reading and spelling ages are tested through the PIRA reading assessment and calculated in October and June. In the Autumn and Summer Terms we continue with NFER testing, reporting back to parents the National Curriculum levels and standardised scores achieved from these tests. Exams in Maths and English are taken in December, and in Maths and English (including a writing task) in May. The children begin to work on their NVR and VR skills during prep time as a step towards 11+ and other secondary school examinations.

Homework and Rewards

Reading books go home every evening to read and share with the family and we aim to hear each child read every day in school. Spellings are sent home every Friday and are differentiated according to ability along with alternating Maths or English comprehension homework. Spellings and times tables are also practised at school every morning as they are key building blocks to success through Prep 3.

We continue to earn stars for good work and behaviour which build towards Headmaster’s Stars awards individually and are added to the four House totals each week. We also join the treat or outing for those who have made a difference (MAD) in manners, behaviour and work through each term. We look forward to Golden Time on Friday afternoons.

Prep 3 enjoy trips through the year and recently these have included the Prep 3 and 4 French trip to Boulogne, History outings to Hever castle, Rochester Cathedral and Castle, Canterbury Roman Museum and Lullingstone Roman Villa.

Prep 3 children present an assembly each term and have taken part in a combined Prep 3 and 4 musical. A majority of children will begin learning a musical instrument during this year and some will play in their first Informal Concert or House Entertainment so they are already developing confident performance skills and enjoying the experience of playing with Wind Band or Orchestra. This is a busy and exciting year of discovery!